HUSBAND'S OBITUARY--- HECKERT, NOLAN JAMES, D.D.S., 77, passed away on October 18, 2008, after a long, courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was born on March 9, 1931 in Elizabethville, PA to James and Frances Heckert. At age 19 Nolan joined the U.S. Navy. Through a twist of fate the Navy sent him to dental tech school and there he discovered his love of dentistry. Upon discharge he earned his B.A. from Temple University and then graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with his dental degree. Dr. Heckert married Leah Marks in 1962. They moved to Chattahoochee, FL where he became Assistant Director of Florida Institutional Dental Services for the following six years. In 1969 Dr. Heckert purchased a dental practice at 381 N. Krome Ave. in Homestead, FL where he was dentist and friend to his patients for the next 26 years. After his retirement in 1995 Nolan had several part-time careers/jobs that he enjoyed thoroughly because of all the wonderful people he met and the camaraderie he felt. (University of Florida Tropical Research Center, Branam Funeral Home, Robert Morgan Vocational School, Miami- Dade College, The Homestead Miami Speedway) Dr. Heckert was a member of the American Dental Association, South Dade Dental Society, Miami Study Club, and the Dade County Dental Research Clinic. He served on the church council of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church for many years. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, and the B.P.O.E. Dr. Heckert is survived by his wife (Leah) of 46 years; two children John Heckert (Donna), and Jayne Bennett (John B.); five grandchildren Makiah, Leilan, Asher Bennett, and Robert and Stephen Heckert; plus four brothers and two sisters. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 1955 N. Krome Ave, Homestead, FL 33030 A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008 at 10:30 A.M. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries. [Published in The Miami Herald from October 21 to October 22, 2008]